Traction: A rug pad is designed to stick to both the rug and the floor. That prevents shifting when the rug is walked on or run across, which is especially important if it’s on a hard surface like hardwood or tile.

Comfort: Rug pads are great because they provide cushion. They also absorb noise when walked across.

Cleanliness: Many pads have grooves or bumps that help trap dirt and dust particles that can become embedded in your rug. The design of a rug pad will also promote air flow between your rug and the floor, which helps greatly when vacuuming your rug. Another benefit is that a pad can often prevent wet spills from reaching the floor or carpet beneath your rug.

Style: A pad underneath your rug helps it lay flat, avoiding that annoying bunching and slipping that throws off the look of a rug.

Extend the Life of your Rug: A quality pad under your rug will prevent it from shifting and rubbing the underside of the rug. Without a pad, that friction may result in permanent damage to the rug. Placing a pad as a buffer between the floor and the rug can make your rug last much longer.

Extend the Life of your Floor: Over time, a rug without a pad will cause damage to the floor underneath. The collection of dirt and dust is trapped, and the small abrasions can scratch hardwood floors or wear away at carpeting.